CNN - Pivotal Elections: Israel

When Israelis went to the polls May 29, they were testing a new electoral system. For the first time in Israel's 48-year history, its prime minister was elected by direct popular vote. Formerly, the prime minister was selected by the president, who was appointed by the Knesset, Israel's national assembly.

The two candidates for prime minister were incumbent Shimon Peres, head of the left-wing Labor Party, and right-wing Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu. As winner, Netanyahu will have 45 days to assemble a government. Should he fail to do so, a special election for prime minister will be held. If the prime minister fails a second time to form a majority, he may not run a third time.

On election day, voters also selected the Knesset. The 120 Knesset seats are assigned in proportion to the number of votes each party receives. Members are assigned to the Knesset according to a list compiled by each party before the election. A party must receive at least 1.5 percent of the votes cast to gain Knesset representation.

In addition to the veteran parties, including the Likud, Labor and Meretz parties, 12 new parties were on the ballot.

Sources: Europa Yearbook, 1995; Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, 1993; Reuters; The Associated Press.

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